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Romanian authorities have formally indicted U.S. rapper Wiz Khalifa following an investigation into his alleged illegal drug possession at the Beach, Please! music festival in Costinesti. The Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) announced in a press release that the 37-year-old was found in possession of 18.53 grams of cannabis and a cannabis cigarette, which he reportedly lit on stage during his July 13 performance.
Khalifa was briefly detained after the show and released shortly thereafter. The day following his arrest, he addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time.”
Romanian law strictly prohibits the use of cannabis, classified as a high-risk drug, both for recreational and medical purposes. Physicians in Romania are not permitted to prescribe cannabis, although foreign patients holding a prescription from another EU country may bring the medication into Romania with valid documentation. Khalifa, however, is known for his outspoken cannabis advocacy, having launched his cannabis brand, Khalifa Kush, and developed a custom strain for personal and commercial use.
Under Romanian law, illegal drug possession for personal use can result in penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine for drugs classified as low-risk. High-risk drugs, including cannabis, carry harsher punishments of six months to three years. Unlike some jurisdictions, Romanian law does not vary penalties based on the amount of the drug in question, meaning even small amounts could incur significant penalties.
DIICOT noted that options beyond incarceration exist, including treatment programs for drug users. “Based on the evaluation… the prosecutor may decide to include a user in an integrated assistance program,” the European Union Drugs Agency states. Should Khalifa engage in a treatment program, he may avoid prison time if he adheres to protocol.
As Khalifa’s case proceeds to court, the incident underscores the differences in drug laws across international borders and their implications for international performers and tourists.
Read the whole article from Rolling Stones here.
